• Getting ready
• What you will need
• Step by step guide
• Importance of Healthy Baby Skin
• The Wash and Lotion Routine

A Downloadable PDF is available below the brochure

• Make sure you have everything you need before you start bathtime.
• Room should be warm and draught free.
• NEVER leave baby unattended in or near the water.
• Settle and reassure baby.
• Undress baby but leave the nappy on.
• Wrap baby in a towel to prevent him from wriggling too much and getting cold.
• Add a few drops of baby oil to the bathwater.
• Make sure the water is warm but not too hot.

• A towel
• Cotton wool
• Baby shampoo
• Baby soap or baby wash
• Baby powder
• Moisturising lotion or oil
• Baby jelly
• A clean, dry nappy
• Set of clean clothes

Why is healthy skin important?
Your baby’s skin is the first line of defence against the outside world, acting as a shield against germs and diseases. If it becomes dry, its protective barrier may be damaged, allowing germs and irritants to enter.¹

Your baby’s skin is different to yours
Your baby’s skin continues to develop beyond the age of 2 years old. It’s up to 30% thinner¹ and loses moisture up to 5 times faster than adult skin², that’s why baby’s skin needs special protection.

• Our bodies are hosts to millions of micro-organisms. Emerging research is focused on this microbiome and the role it plays in battling skin disease, maintaining skin immunity.⁴ The microbiome helps the skin barrier protect itself from pathogens.^{4, 5}
• Birth and the 1st few years of life offer a limited window in which to nurture the Infant Skin Microbiome to ensure optimal skin health and immunity in the future.^{4, 6}
• Healthy Skin Microbiome plays an essential role in overall health i.e. Healthy Skin Healthy Baby.⁵

For nearly a decade, JOHNSON’S^® has been leading the field in the study of the Skin Microbiome. This has allowed us to formulate gentle products that help nurture the Skin Microbiome.⁷

Clinically shown not to disrupt the developing Skin Microbiome in newborns up to 6 months old.^{6, 7}

Practice Guide based on Research

• Johnson’s® has helped advanced 90% of robust research on Infant Skin Care.¹²
• It has been proven that Healthy Skin Barrier protects against Infection and Atopic Eczema.12

Ask your Health Care Provider for advice & recommendations based on the South African Healthy Newborn Baby Skincare Care Guidelines.

• Vernix Caseosa is the white creamy substance on babies’ skin at birth, this should NOT BE removed as it has many benefits.
• Bathing the first newborn bath should therefore be delayed to least 6 to 24hrs after birth, so as not to remove the vernix. Use a mild and gentle cleanser that is specially formulated not to disrupt the skin barrier and the developing skin microbiome.
• Moisturise babies’ skin routinely at least daily, to prevent dryness and chafing. This will ensure baby’s 1st defensive barrier stays healthy and strong.
• Cord care. It is very important to keep the cord area clean and dry to help it fall off. It has been proven that the cord will dry and fall off by cleaning with clean water or breast milk. When changing the nappy, always ensure the cord is outside of the nappy. The cord may be submerged in water, during the bath.
• The nappy area should be kept as clean and dry as possible to prevent irritation from the wetness of urine and faeces on babies’ delicate skin. This is done by changing the nappy regularly and cleaning the area well e.g. with soap and water or wet wipes, and by applying a barrier protection.
• Disinfectants. Be aware of potentially harmful and irritating substances used on baby’s delicate skin. Everything used on baby’s skin should be mild and gentle and should not disrupt the acid mantle and natural microbiome.
• Skin wound care such as male circumcision, as well as the need and use of medical adhesives must be discussed with your Health Care Advisor.¹²